Oct. 21: College of Education Future Educators Open House
Register now to explore the University of Kentucky’s options for degrees in education at the UK College of Education Future Educators Open House. It will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at the UK Gatton Student Center.
“During this special event, prospective students and their guests can learn about education majors, scholarships, and more. Participants will have a chance to interact with education professors, college leaders, and current students,” said UK College of Education Director of Undergraduate Recruitment Jenna Demastes.
Following the open house, prospective students are welcome to a complimentary lunch at Champions Kitchen. In the afternoon, the UK Visitor Center will host an optional admission information session and UK campus tour.
The UK College of Education is the top-ranked education school in Kentucky and highly ranked among institutions across the United States. Meeting workforce needs for teachers — and fueling the career goals of future difference makers — has led the college to develop educator preparation programs with meaningful experiences along a variety of pathways to meet the needs of people who want to teach. These options include not only traditional pathways to teacher certification, but also online programs, hybrid options with courses offered online and face-to-face, shortened timelines to a degree and unique field experiences.
“The needs are real,” noted UK College of Education Acting Dean Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D. “We hear from schools not only in the Commonwealth but in other states and internationally, seeking to fill teaching positions. We are committed to meeting those needs with graduates who are ready to be effective leaders in the classroom from day one, and our graduates are highly sought after.”
Courses embedded at local schools are an example of the learning experiences many students feel are preparing them for success as teachers. Through embedded programs, education majors go to a public school building to attend classes taught by their college instructor, and then journey into other classrooms to apply what they have learned, working with students in the grades they are preparing to teach. The embedded programs are part of a robust strategy to develop high quality teachers.
From community STEM nights to working with children in summer learning programs to leading donation drives for families in need, education majors become immersed in their roles in the community. They also have opportunities to pursue unique options, such as international student teaching. As part of the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching, student teaching placements can include Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and South Africa. In addition to offering travel through the consortium, the college has also developed student teaching programs with school partners in Sweden and Spain.
Several scholarship, loan and grant opportunities for education majors can be explored on the College of Education website. Learn more about becoming a teacher by registering for the open house or contact UK College of Education Undergraduate Recruitment Director Jenna Demastes at jenna.demastes@uky.edu.